Many people read or hear the terms “long block” and “short block” when referring to engines and incorrectly assume that the terms describe different sizes of engines. In fact, “long block” and “short block” refer to an engine’s state of completion.
Compared with complete engine assemblies, long block and short block engines are both missing parts. As the names suggest, long block engines lack fewer parts than short block engines. A short block engine contains the engine block itself, plus the rotating assembly, including the crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and camshaft if the short block assembly is not an overhead-cam configuration.
A long block assembly includes all of the components of the short block but adds cylinder heads and other critical parts, depending on the configuration. Failed engines are replaced with either a short or a long block sub-assembly. The selection of one over the other depends on what portion of the engine has failed and what needs to be replaced.
South Houston Engine Service Inc. performs diesel engine remanufacturing and carries both long block and short block engine replacements.
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